The Prime Minister says he does not agree with Mike King’s comments about mental health and alcohol but was “very supportive” of the work done by Gumboot Friday.
In an interview with Newstalk ZB earlier this week King said: “Alcohol is not a problem for people with mental health issues. It’s actually the solution to our problem.”
He later said: “I would suggest to you that alcohol has prevented more young people from taking their own lives than it actually takes their own lives.
“I’m a drug addict, an alcoholic; my whole life, I’ve used drugs and alcohol to stop that little voice inside my head that told me that I wasn’t good enough, that I was useless.”
King described alcohol as being like a “life jacket” and “methadone” for some.
Following King’s comments, Labour’s mental health spokesperson, Ingrid Leary, called on the government to pause and review its support of the charity.
In keeping with pre-election commitments, the Government pledged an additional $24 million over four years for King’s I Am Hope charity, which runs the programme.
The opposition had previously criticised the coalition for proceeding with its funding for King’s charity despite concerns from officials about the procurement process.
Speaking to media today, Christopher Luxon was asked if he stood by the Government’s funding for the charity.
Luxon said that while he did not agree with King’s comments, Gumboot Friday did “very important work”.
Labour calls for a pause in funding to the advocacy group after its founder said alcohol could help people with mental health issues. (Source: 1News)
“What I’d say is Mike’s tried to put some context around his remarks, there’s no doubt about it, alcohol harm is a major issue here in New Zealand, but we are very supportive of the work of Gumboot Friday.”
“To the fact that 15,000 young people are getting their free counselling is actually really special.”
He said he had not spoken to King since the comments were made.
Luxon also accused Labour of trying to play politics with the issue.
“I appreciate the opposition want to make it a political issue, and I’d just say I wouldn’t play politics with youth mental health.”
In a statement on Facebook yesterday, King wrote: “Drugs and alcohol are not a cure for mental illness. By the same token, they are not the cause of mental health issues.”
Later that evening, King again said on Facebook: “I know I’m a polarising figure. I’m aware of the strong opinions out there—people who don’t just question me, but also the work we’re doing at Gumboot Friday.
“I see some twist our work into political drama, accuse me of being aligned with one party or another, and throw around numbers as if they tell the whole story.
“But let’s be clear: this is not about me. This is about the kids. Every dollar we raise, every minute we fight for support, is to provide these kids with the hope they desperately need.”
He also said there had been misconceptions about the level of government funding I Am Hope had received.
“Yes, the government allocated this amount for Gumboot Friday’s counselling services, but it sits with the Ministry of Health—not in our bank account,” he said.
Alcohol and drug researcher Rose Crossin said yesterday that alcohol is associated with poorer mental health outcomes and also with suicide risk.
“There is no way alcohol is a solution to mental health issues. It’s understandable that sometimes people might drink alcohol for coping reasons to help them to try and feel better, but it’s only ever going to be a temporary fix. It might slightly delay those feelings, but ultimately it’s going to make them worse.